DETROIT – The owner of Dearborn’s beloved Thai restaurant, Bangkok 96, is set to open a new sushi spot with a completely gluten-free menu in Detroit.
Chef Genevieve Vang will open Sushi Lounge at 474 Peterboro Street inside the Detroit Shipping Company on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, according to a release from Booth One Creative.
For decades, Vang has played a vital role in the local dining community through Bangkok 96, the acclaimed restaurant that opened on Telegraph Road in 1996, the Bangkok 96 Street Food stall in the Shipping Co. and “Thai Feast,” a broth mix retail line.
Now, the 2019 James Beard semifinalist is highlighting her love for sushi with a “health-conscious approach.”
“From tamari in place of soy sauce to gluten-free tempura batter, Sushi Lounge will offer an inclusive and health-conscious approach to sushi that few restaurants attempt, all while staying true to Vang’s values of sustainability in sourcing and packaging,” according to the release.
Vang tapped Detroit native Chef Jasmine White to lead the kitchen at Sushi Lounge. White was the head chef at Maru before it closed in 2024.
“I see Jasmine fight, her passion, her love for sushi,” Vang said. “All my life in kitchens, people underestimate me because I am a woman. I see myself in her, and I believe she deserves this chance to show Detroit what she can do.”
White shares her excitement about turning a longtime dream into reality with this new sushi venture.
“This is a dream I’ve been chasing for years,” White said. “To bring my style of sushi to my hometown in a way that’s fun, approachable, and truly reflects Detroit — it feels like everything has come full circle and I’m so excited to finally show my city what I can do.”
The menu includes classic favorites like the California, Rainbow, Tuna and Salmon rolls, along with a creative lineup of rolls in what’s being called “Detroit-style sushi.”
Some of the highlights include the following:
The Big Three Roll: fried lobster, shrimp tempura, torched scallop, avocado, pickled daikon, and scallions.
Whatuproll!: fried crab, cucumber, roasted red pepper, asparagus, avocado, and Fresnochili.
Sushi Bombs: a rotating five-piece temari set (colorful bite-sized sushi balls).
Sushi Stack & Snack: a three-layer tower of diced sashimi served with gluten-free chips.
Customers will also see daily chef’s nigiri selections and red and green onigiri on the menu. There will also be vegan and vegetarian options, and desserts, including ube ice cream and green tea mochi ice cream and people will be able to find new sake options at the Detroit Shipping Co. bar.
Sushi Lounge will follow the Detroit Shipping Co.’s open hours. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. on Sept. 6 with a live DJ. For more information, visit Sushi Lounge’s Instagram account.
Copyright 2025 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.